‘She protected Shafali Verma’ - Aakash Chopra lauds DC skipper Meg Lanning's tactics during DEL-W vs UP-W clash

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was full of praise for Delhi Capitals skipper Meg Lanning for her tactics in a Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 match. Chopra said that Lanning protected her opening partner Shafali Verma against Shabnim Ismail in the clash against the UP Warriorz on Tuesday, March 7. 

While reviewing the match, the former India cricketer lauded Lanning's tactics during the match. He said that the Australia skipper protected Shafali from getting dismissed earlier.

"There was Meg Lanning's planning. When Shabnim Ismail bowled to her at the start, it seemed she will dismiss her. She survived that and then hit her as well and along with that, she protected Shafali Verma,” Chopra was heard saying in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

"She allowed Shafali Verma to face just one delivery from Ismail and I thought that was a very smart move because Lanning is a better batter. She said that she can face her (Ismail) and asked Shafali to stay at the other end," he added.

Notably, Lanning and Shafali strung together a 67-run opening-wicket partnership in 6.3 overs. The Indian contributed only 17 runs from 14 balls.

Chopra not pleased with Shafali's batting

Chopra was not impressed with Shafali’s performance in the clash. However, the 45-year-old was delighted with the other Delhi Capitals batters’ approach.

"Shafali Verma was playing in a slightly different fashion this time. More risk-taking, too many shots while moving aside to the leg side, not ideal in my opinion, and then she got out,” Chopra said.

"After that, it seemed whoever was coming was hitting, whether it was Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Alice Capsey or Jess Jonassen and they crossed 200 overall. The Delhi Capitals have played two matches and have scored more than 200 both times, which is thumbs up,” he added.

The Capitals were asked to bat first and set a target of 211/4, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Lanning emerged as the standout player from DC as she struck a 42-ball 70 before being dismissed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad. After her departure, Jess Jonassen scored an unbeaten 42 off 20 balls and guided Delhi to a staggering total. The Capitals' bowlers then restricted Alyssa Healy and Co. to 169/5 to register an emphatic 42-run win.

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